It has been officially announced that AMA Motocross champion James Stewart will ride for L&M Yamaha next season, marking the end of his long association with Kawasaki.

Stewart, also a former AMA Supercross champion and widely considered to be one of the fastest riders ever to steer an off-road machine, bounced back from missing the 2008 Indoor season through injury by winning every single Outdoor race.

However, Stewart will now replace reigning AMA Supercross champion Chad Reed at L&M Yamaha. Reed has already been confirmed at Suzuki, whilst Stewart's Kawasaki seat will effectively be taken by Lites class star Ryan Villopoto.

Stewart will definitely race the AMA Supercross season in 2009 - and make his first appearance at the X Games - but it is not yet clear if he will defend his Motocross crown.

Stewart's team-mate will be Kyle Chisholm.